Aaron Kofner

Senior Research Programmer

Washington Office

Education

M.S. in applied economics and management, Cornell University; M.A. in urban planning and transportation policy, University of California, Los Angeles

One Page Bio

Overview

Aaron Kofner is a senior research programmer who works extensively with Medicare, Medicaid, and private health claims datasets, cleaning and analyzing to report on cost, utilization, and health care quality. His interests include the evaluation of health care payment and delivery innovations, methods for measuring the performance of health care providers, and health policy issues involving the safety net. He has significant experience in GIS analysis including spatial and network analysis.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

Federally Funded Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
CMS Specialty Payment Models
Evaluation of the Pennsylvania Chronic Care Initiative Medical Home Pilot

Languages

Hebrew

Publications

Journal Article
Expansion of Telehealth Availability for Mental Health Care After State-Level Policy Changes From 2019 to 2022
This study investigated whether state-level policy changes from 2019 to 2022 were associated with the expansion of telehealth services at mental health treatment facilities throughout the US.
Aug 11, 2023
Report
Among Black Americans, Is Military Service Associated with Better Quality of Life?
RAND researchers examined the ways in which military service might be correlated with certain health, economic, and social outcomes for Black Americans and explored several factors that could be meaningful to their health and well-being.
Nov 9, 2022
Report
2020 California Neighborhoods Count: Validation of U.S. Census Population Counts and Housing Characteristic Estimates Within California
In response to concerns about the accuracy of decennial census data, researchers conducted the California Neighborhoods Count to evaluate the accuracy of 2020 Census housing unit and population counts for a subset of California census blocks.
Sep 20, 2022
Report
Imputation of Race and Ethnicity in Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Data, 2015–2022 Open Enrollment Periods
This report presents the results of imputing race and ethnicity for HealthCare.gov Marketplace enrollees from 2015 through 2022 with an approach that uses surnames, first names, and residential addresses to estimate race and ethnicity.
Jun 23, 2022
Report
Availability and Accessibility of Mental Health Services in New York City
To advance policy strategy for addressing gaps in the mental health services system, RAND researchers investigate the availability and accessibility of mental health services in New York City.
Jun 22, 2022
Report
Prices Paid to Hospitals by Private Health Plans: Findings from Round 4 of an Employer-Led Transparency Initiative
The lack of transparency of prices in the health care market limits the ability of employers to knowledgeably develop or implement benefit design decisions. This report is designed to allow an easy comparison of hospital prices using a single metric.
May 17, 2022
Report
Improving Care for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Across the Lifespan
This report presents findings from a study designed to identify the long-term outcomes of traumatic brain injury for veterans, the future needs of this population, effective treatments, and the availability of community-based resources.
Apr 28, 2022
Research Brief
Strategies to Improve Long-Term Outcomes for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury
This brief describes findings from a study on the long-term outcomes of traumatic brain injury for veterans, the future needs of this population, effective treatments, and the availability of community-based resources.
Apr 28, 2022
Journal Article
Ongoing Disparities in Digital and In-Person Access to Child Psychiatric Services in the United States
Although telehealth holds promise for promoting access to child and adolescent psychiatric services, large disparities in overall access to services persists in rural and low-income communities.
Mar 24, 2022
Journal Article
Patterns in Geographic Distribution of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities in the US and Accepted Forms of Payment From 2010 to 2021
Researchers analyzed data to determine what proportion of the national population had local geographic availability to a licensed SUD treatment facility that accepted Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or cash.
2022
Journal Article
Telehealth Adoption by Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities in the COVID-19 Pandemic
The study examined temporal and geographic trends in telehealth availability at U.S. behavioral health treatment facilities and risk factors for not offering telehealth.
2022
Journal Article
Population-Based Estimates of Geographic Accessibility of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder by Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities from 2014 to 2020
This cross-sectional study of substance use disorder treatment facilities examined the national share of facilities that offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and population-based measures of geographic accessibility of facilities offering MOUD.
Oct 22, 2021
Research Brief
Private U.S. Health Plans Pay Hospitals 247 Percent of What Medicare Would Pay
RAND researchers used data from 49 states and Washington, D.C., to assess hospital prices paid by private health plans. Data sources included $33.8 billion in spending from 3,112 community hospitals—more than half of community hospitals nationwide.
Feb 24, 2021
Report
Nationwide Evaluation of Health Care Prices Paid by Private Health Plans: Findings from Round 3 of an Employer-Led Transparency Initiative
The authors use data from 2016 to 2018 to document variation in facility prices for the commercially insured population. They report differences in standardized negotiated prices and prices relative to Medicare reimbursement rates.
Sep 18, 2020
Research Brief
Guidance for Organizations That Support the Behavioral Health of Post-9/11 Veterans
This brief highlights important treatment, provider, and system factors that organizations that support the behavioral health needs of veterans with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health disorders should consider.
Jul 22, 2020
Report
Improving Substance Use Care: Addressing Barriers to Expanding Integrated Treatment Options for Post-9/11 Veterans
This report provides guidance and recommendations to support the delivery of quality care for veterans with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
Jul 22, 2020
Research Brief
Strategies to Improve Treatment for Post-9/11 Veterans with Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders
This brief describes how treatment facilities could improve their care of veterans with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders and address barriers to care for such veterans.
Jul 22, 2020
Journal Article
Impact of a Medicaid Policy on Preventive Oral Health Services for Children with Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, or Both
The authors examined the impact of state policies allowing delivery of POHS in medical offices on receipt of POHS among Medicaid enrollees with IDD.
2020
Journal Article
Growth and Distribution of Child Psychiatrists in the United States: 2007–2016
Despite the increased ratio of child psychiatrists per children over the past decade, a shortage remains, particularly in places with lower levels of income and education.
Dec 1, 2019
Report
2017 U.S. Air Force Community Feedback Tool: Key Results Report for Air Force Headquarters
This report presents results from a self-reported needs assessment of airmen, spouses of airmen, and Air Force civilian employees intended to help leadership and service providers better address the major challenges that community members are facing.
Nov 14, 2019
Report
Evaluation of the Mental Health Services Act in Los Angeles County: Implementation and Outcomes for Key Programs
This report examines the reach of mental health programs in Los Angeles County and what the impact of those programs has been.
Mar 13, 2018
Research Brief
The Mental Health Services Act in Los Angeles County: Evaluating Program Reach and Outcomes
RAND researchers examined the geographic and demographic reach of Mental Health Services Act-funded activities in Los Angeles County and assessed their impact on clients.
Mar 13, 2018
Journal Article
Change in Externalizing Problems Over Time Among Ethnic Minority Youth Exposed to Violence
Strengthening Families Program, a prevention intervention for youth who are exposed to violence, can help ameliorate problem behaviors over time.
Oct 10, 2017
Journal Article
Implementation of Medical Homes in Federally Qualified Health Centers
A 3-year demonstration to strengthen the delivery of primary care in federally qualified health centers provides some empirical evidence in support of medical-home transformation..
Sep 13, 2017
Journal Article
Federally Qualified Health Center Clinicians And Staff Increasingly Dissatisfied With Workplace Condition
Providers and staff at federally funded safety net clinics reported declines in professional satisfaction, work environment, and practice culture.
Aug 11, 2017
Report
Evaluation of CMS's Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Advanced Primary Care Practice (APCP) Demonstration: Final Report
This report contains an independent evaluation of the Federally Qualified Health Center Advanced Primary Care Practice Demonstration for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
Jun 26, 2017
Research Brief
Helping Kids and Families Cope with Violence: Safe Start Promising Approaches
This research brief presents findings from evaluations of community-based interventions to reduce violence's harmful effects on children.
Mar 30, 2017
Report
Improving Outcomes for Children Exposed to Violence: Safe Start Promising Approaches
Researchers partnered with community-based sites to develop rigorous evaluations of interventions to reduce violence's harmful effects on children and analyze outcome data. This report presents findings and perspectives from this evaluation.
Mar 14, 2017
Tool
RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism
The RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism uses checklists, worksheets, and templates to help programs assess whether their activities have met their goals and identify needed improvements.
Mar 13, 2017
Journal Article
Factors That Influence Chaplains' Suicide Intervention Behavior in the Army
Army chaplains are more likely to refer soldiers at risk of suicide to behavioral health care, but the causes of their reluctance to refer need further investigation.
Mar 14, 2016
Journal Article
The Influence of Training, Reluctance, Efficacy, and Stigma on Suicide Intervention Behavior Among NCOs in the Army and Marine Corps
We used structural equation modeling on survey responses from 1184 Army soldiers and 796 marines to estimate the relationships between training, intervention efficacy, reluctance, and mental health stigma on NCO intervention behaviors.
Mar 2, 2016
Report
Evaluation of CMS's Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Advanced Primary Care Practice (APCP) Demonstration: Final Second Annual Report
This second of three reports follows the progress of a three-year project intended to support the transformation of federally qualified health centers into advanced primary care practices in support of Medicare beneficiaries.
Jul 29, 2015
Journal Article
Noncommissioned Officers' Perspectives on Identifying, Caring For, and Referring Soldiers and Marines at Risk of Suicide
Noncommissioned officers (NCOs) in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps were surveyed to identify their ability and willingness to identify, intervene on behalf of, and refer fellow soldiers and marines at risk of suicide.
Jul 17, 2015
Report
Evaluation of CMS' FQHC APCP Demonstration: Final First Annual Report
RAND was asked to evaluate a demonstration of federally qualified health centers becoming advanced primary care practices for Medicare beneficiaries and to assess the effects on care provided. This is the first report in a series of three.
Apr 9, 2015
Report
Specialty Payment Model Opportunities and Assessment: Oncology Model Design Report
This report shares research and analyses of claims data related to the design of a payment model for specialty oncology services for possible testing by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Mar 17, 2015
Report
Specialty Payment Model Opportunities and Assessment: Oncology Simulation Report
This report shares results of a simulation analysis of a payment model for specialty oncology services that is being developed for possible testing by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Mar 17, 2015
Report
Specialty Payment Model Opportunities and Assessment: Gastroenterology and Cardiology Model Design Report
Describes research related to the design of episode-based payment models for ambulatory gastroenterology and cardiology services for possible testing by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.
Mar 17, 2015
Tool
RAND Suicide Prevention Program Evaluation Toolkit
The RAND Suicide Prevention Program Evaluation Toolkit translates scientific research on suicide prevention to help program staff assess whether their programs produce beneficial effects and identify needed improvements.
Feb 7, 2014
Report
Flood Insurance in New York City Following Hurricane Sandy
This report examines dimensions of the changing flood insurance environment in New York City and explores the consequences for the city's residents and businesses.
Oct 25, 2013
Research Brief
The Rising Cost of Flood Insurance in New York City
Even as many in New York City struggle to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, changes in the flood insurance market are increasing premiums for those living near the coast. This brief examines the gravity of the news and what can be done in response.
Oct 25, 2013
Journal Article
Predictors of Study Retention from a Multisite Study of Interventions for Children and Families Exposed to Violence
We examine predictors of retention (demographics, violence exposure, child mental health, caregiver demographics, and engagement in intervention) in a large multisite national study of interventions for children exposed to violence.
Aug 1, 2013
Journal Article
How Much Does "How Much" Matter? Assessing the Relationship Between Children's Lifetime Exposure to Violence and Trauma Symptoms, Behavior Problems, and Parenting Stress
The study explores whether and how lifetime violence exposure is related to a set of negative symptoms: child internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, child trauma symptoms, and parenting stress.
Apr 1, 2013
Journal Article
Assessing Programs Designed to Improve Outcomes for Children Exposed to Violence: Results from Nine Randomized Controlled Trials
The study tests whether participation in interventions offered by a subset of sites from the National Safe Start Promising Approaches for Children Exposed to Violence initiative improved outcomes for children relative to controls.
Feb 1, 2013
Journal Article
The Relationship Between Protective Factors and Outcomes for Children Exposed to Violence
In this study, we sought to test whether relationships exist between certain protective factors and subsequent adjustment and to examine whether violence re-exposure contributed to changes in outcomes over time.
2013
Report
Is Inclusionary Zoning Inclusionary? A Guide for Practitioners
Examines whether inclusionary zoning programs in the United States serve lower-income families and provide recipients with access to low-poverty neighborhoods and high-performing schools.
Jun 1, 2012
Report
National Evaluation of Safe Start Promising Approaches: Assessing Program Outcomes
Shares the results of Safe Start Promising Approaches, a community-based initiative that implemented and evaluated promising and evidence-based programs to prevent and reduce the impact of children's exposure to violence in 15 U.S. program sites.
Jan 4, 2012
Research Brief
Reducing the Impact of Children's Exposure to Violence: Results of the National Evaluation of Safe Start Promising Approaches
RAND's evaluation of Safe Start Promising Approaches identified program successes and challenges in implementing programs for children exposed to violence. The evaluation results, though largely inconclusive, can inform similar efforts going forward.
Sep 13, 2011
Journal Article
The Effect of Light Rail Transit on Body Mass Index and Physical Activity
The results of this study suggest that improving neighborhood environments and increasing the public's use of light rail transit systems could provide improvements in health outcomes for millions of individuals.
2010
Report
Neighborhood Effects on Crime and Youth Violence: The Role of Business Improvement Districts in Los Angeles
Business improvement districts (BIDs) collect assessments and invest in such activities as place promotion, street cleaning, and public safety. This report examines BID activities and their impact on crime and youth violence in Los Angeles.
Jan 27, 2009
Report
Balancing Environment and Development: Costs, Revenues, and Benefits of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
A large habitat-conservation reserve is being created in western Riverside County to mitigate development effects on threatened and endangered species. This monograph examines the plan's costs, revenues, and effects on the permitting process.
Oct 18, 2008
Research Brief
Reducing Traffic Congestion in Los Angeles
This research brief identifies key factors determining L.A. transportation policy needs and makes 13 recommendations that together could reduce congestion -- arguably the worst in the country -- substantially within five years.
Sep 3, 2008
Report
Moving Los Angeles: Short-Term Policy Options for Improving Transportation
The authors of this book recommend strategies for reducing traffic congestion in the Los Angeles area that could significantly enhance quality of life, reduce economic and environmental costs, and improve social justice within about five years.
Aug 23, 2008
Report
Estimating DoD Transportation Spending: Analyses of Contract and Payment Transactions
This analysis of individual contracting action report and PowerTrack data shows that the U.S. Department of Defense can further leverage transportation spending, particularly when it uses tenders instead of contracts to buy transportation services.
Sep 5, 2007
Report
Gender Differences in Major Federal External Grant Programs
Determines whether gender differences exist in federal research grant awards and funding.
Sep 7, 2005
Report
High-Technology Manufacturing and U.S. Competitiveness
Is U.S. high-technology manufacturing at risk?
Jun 3, 2004
Report
A Review of Reports on Selected Large Federal Science Facilities: Management and Life-Cycle Issues
Synthesizes the findings of 20 documented studies of major science facilities and presents lessons learned for the federal government as it builds, manages, and retires large facilities
2004
Report
Is There a Shortage of Scientists and Engineers? How Would We Know?
This paper assesses the existence of workforce shortages and points toward strategies for addressing them.
2003
Report
Technology Transfer of Federally Funded R&D: Perspectives from a Forum
Presents comments and discussion on a variety of issues to gain a wide perspective on best practices for technology transfer.
2003